Microwave hydrothermal synthesis of BaFe2O4 nanoparticles and dielectric study of PiBMA/BaFe2O4 polymer nanodielectrics

Abstract

Barium monoferrite (BaFe2O4) nanoparticles of average size 60 nm were synthesized by microwave hydrothermal technique. The films of Poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PiBMA)/ Barium monoferrite (BaFe2O4) with different BaFe2O4 nanoparticles wt.% are prepared by the solution casting technique. The increased free volume (Vf) of PiBMA/BaFe2O4 polymer nanodielectrics at lower wt.% of BaFe2O4 nanoparticle loading suggests the reduction of overall packing density in the PiBMA polymer matrix. The XRD results suggest the weakening of crystallization of PiBMA polymer chains with BaFe2O4 nanoparticles wt.%. The increased mobility of Ba2+, Fe2+and O2– ions are responsible for the enhancement of AC conductivity (σac) in PiBMA/BaFe2O4 polymer nanodielectrics. The increased dielectric constant in PiBMA/BaFe2O4 polymer nanodielectrics up to 0.6 wt% is attributed to the increased interfacial and orientation polarization. The enhanced electrochemical peak current and specific capacitance for 0.6 wt% of BaFe2O4 nanofiller loading indicate the formation of porous pathways in PiBMA/BaFe2O4 polymer nanodielectrics.